Volunteers

There are two groups of volunteers who help during an oil spill. Convergent (spontaneous) volunteers and participating organization (pre-trained, ongoing) volunteers.

Convergent Volunteers

Individuals who come forward to help cleanup efforts after hearing of the spill from the media or other sources. Convergent volunteers can work in wildlife rehabilitation facilities, volunteer operations center, and other locations.

If you are interested in volunteering and being contacted for help during a spill, please fill out the volunteer form. Alternatively, when a large spill occurs, the media helps recruit volunteers to come and lend a hand. If you choose to come forward after media notification, you will fill out a volunteer form at the volunteer operation center.

Additionally, volunteers will be required to fill out state forms (to ensure that costs and any injuries that occur during volunteering are covered) and attend a formal introductory and safety presentation. Once this is completed, the volunteer can assist in the spill response.

Please see also this page from California's Office of Spill Prevention and Response.

Participating Organization Volunteers

Members of organized groups or professional associations trained to perform tasks and functions related to oil spill response.

Pre-trained volunteers are identified by and work under guidance from an OWCN participating organization. These trainings teach techniques needed for oiled wildlife care and how to supervise convergent volunteers during a spill response. Selection of volunteers to attend OWCN trainings is based on

* animal handling experience in high stress situations
* dependability and willingness to be available to work
* effective communication skills

All OWCN trainings are California Department of Fish and Game approved. This means that they count toward wildlife rehabilitators' annual training session requirement.

To become part of a participating organization's volunteer force, please contact your closest participating organization. For more information, contact OWCN volunteer coordinator Kaiti Ferguson at ksferguson@ucdavis.edu.

All OWCN trainings are California Department of Fish and Game approved. This means that they count toward wildlife rehabilitators' annual training session requirement.

For more information, contact OWCN volunteer coordinator Kaiti Ferguson.

Participant Volunteer Information

• Forms
• Supply Requests
• Updates
• Training Schedule and Signup

OWCN Trainings

In alignment with its mission, the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) provides training for members of its participating organizations on the care of oil-affected wildlife. Details of our new training program can be found here.

Webinar Registration Form (MS Word)

Volunteer Information Form (MS Word)

 

| Last updated: 1/26/09